Algeria, Portugal Discuss Illegal Migration, Libyan Crisis

The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)
The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)
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Algeria, Portugal Discuss Illegal Migration, Libyan Crisis

The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)
The Portuguese president receives his Algerian counterpart upon his arrival at the presidential palace in Lisbon. (AFP)

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune held talks in Lisbon on Tuesday with his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The discussions focused on developing bilateral and economic cooperation, and confronting illegal migration and terrorism in the Mediterranean region.

The Portuguese presidency said Tebboune’s visit, which kicked off on Monday, was part of efforts to “deepen the excellent bilateral ties” between their countries.

After meeting at the presidential palace, Tebboune told the press that he thoroughly discussed with his Portuguese counterpart “the situation in Libya, Mali, the Sahel, Western Sahara, and Palestinian territories, as well as what is happening between Ukraine and Russia, two friendly countries.”

He further hoped that the bilateral ties would achieve a leap in all fields, even sports.

Tebboune described the talks as “fruitful, open and honest”, adding that they highlighted the depth of the political relations and will strengthen regular political consultations, reflecting the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

For his part, the Portuguese president said the visit will promote economic cooperation, including in renewable energy, tourism, and education, adding that it will pave the way for a new chapter of cooperation in diplomatic fields and national security.

He reiterated his country’s firm stance against terrorism and illegal migration, underlining the need for cooperation with Europe against these phenomena.

Tebboune is accompanied on his three-day visit by several businessmen who will take part in Algerian-Portuguese business forum that will be held during the trip.

The forum will tackle investment opportunities in energy, petrochemical industries, emerging institutions, tourism, and industry.

The delegation also includes the ministers of energy and mining, industry, pharmaceutical industry, trade and export promotion, public works and basic infrastructures, finance, and knowledge economy and startups.

The Algeria Press Service (APS) reported that the leaders of both countries are keen on strengthening their relations in the political and diplomatic fields, as well as boosting economic cooperation.

The Agency highlighted the major role Algeria and Portugal play in the Mediterranean, their cooperation in combating terrorism and illegal migration and consolidating stability in the region. It also noted their shared views on all regional and international issues of interest.



French Minister in Western Sahara to Back Moroccan Sovereignty

This handout photograph released by Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication on February 17, 2025 shows Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid (C-R) and France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati (C-L) visiting Tarfaya, in southern Morocco. (Moroccan Culture Ministry / AFP)
This handout photograph released by Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication on February 17, 2025 shows Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid (C-R) and France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati (C-L) visiting Tarfaya, in southern Morocco. (Moroccan Culture Ministry / AFP)
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French Minister in Western Sahara to Back Moroccan Sovereignty

This handout photograph released by Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication on February 17, 2025 shows Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid (C-R) and France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati (C-L) visiting Tarfaya, in southern Morocco. (Moroccan Culture Ministry / AFP)
This handout photograph released by Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication on February 17, 2025 shows Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid (C-R) and France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati (C-L) visiting Tarfaya, in southern Morocco. (Moroccan Culture Ministry / AFP)

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati began a visit on Monday to disputed Western Sahara where she will meet officials and open a French cultural center in a show of support for Moroccan sovereignty over the desert territory.

The long-frozen conflict, dating back to 1975, pits Morocco, which considers the region its own, against the Algerian-backed Polisario Front independence movement.

"This is a strong symbolic and political moment," Dati told Moroccan reporters. Her nation in July became the second permanent UN Security Council member after the US to back Morocco's position.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Rabat in October telling parliament that Western Sahara was Moroccan, while his foreign minister promised to expand France’s consular presence to the territory.

Economic deals worth over $10 billion were signed during the presidential visit, following which Morocco mediated the release of four French spies held in Burkina Faso.

French support for Rabat over Western Sahara irks Algiers.

Morocco has also won backing from Western Sahara's former colonial power Spain, as well as Israel and more than two dozen African and Arab nations.

The Polisario in 2020 withdrew from a UN-brokered truce but the conflict remains of low intensity.